google.com, pub-5059501654592326, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 google.com, pub-5059501654592326, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

Metal Embellishments

Written and Created by PaperCraftCentral Susan

You can really enhance your layouts and cards with metal embellishments like brads and rivets, eyelets and snaps.

You can purchase ready-made papercraft elements but sometimes you may want something special and specific that cannot be bought. In this case, why not alter a metal embellishment to suit your purposes? Here I will explain a few different ways to change plain hardware decorative elements to help you to find that elusive finishing touch. In case you are not sure what a brad is:

"A [brad is a] thin wire nail with
a small head
or a slight side projection instead of a head".
The Free Dictionary

I used some altered gold ones in the centre of these flowers so they would have a more vintage feel. I antiqued them. Find out how below.

Metal embellishments

How to Alter Metal Embellishments:

Antique Brads

There are many different techniques you can use to alter metal embellishments. What if you have a vintage layout that you would like to enhance and would like to have some aged looking brads to really finish the look off? And the best thing is, you may only need to raid your manicure set for a lovely finish. One of the simplest techniques only takes a permanent ink pad and some fine sandpaper (I used a metal nail file) and you can wind up with a lovely antique finish.

You Will Need:

  • Some metal brads
  • A permanent inkpad such as Stazon. I used black but you can choose any other coloured ink you like
  • Fine sandpaper or an old metal nail file
  • Crystal Effects or clear nailpolish
  • A roll of toilet paper can act as a stand for your brads while they are drying, but a foam or styrofoam block or a piece of florist's oasis can also be used

Here's What to Do:

  • Step 1: Choose a shiny brad such as the one I used. In this case they are gold but you could choose something else such as silver,  brass or copper. In the picture below, the brad on the left has been altered, while the one on the right has not been treated.

It is easy to alter brads for mixed media scrapbooking projects, handmade cards and more.
  • Step 2: Open the ink pad and up-end the brad. Tap the surface of the brad on the ink pad until it is covered sufficiently. Set aside to dry for about 15 minutes
    • Customised metal brad
  • Step 3: When the ink is thoroughly dry, sand the surface lightly with your sandpaper or nail file, until you get the look you want. This action is also called distressing. You can distress cardstock, metal, etc by scuffing it up or making it raggy. 
    • Sand paper art
  • Step 4: Seal the surface if you like with a thin layer of Crystal Effects or clear nail polish and push it into your stand to allow it to dry, if possible leaving it undisturbed for at least 2 hours (it is better if you can allow it to dry overnight) to attain a 'cured', durable finish. A pair of tweezers may help you handle the brads at this stage so you do not touch the wet surface.
  • Step 5: Use your finished brads to enhance your project You will be able to tell quite a difference when you compare the altered brad with an unaltered one. Here's another way to enhance them: Detail Your Brads with Rubons
  • Have you seen brads with finely detailed pictures on them? Do you have some rubons you would like to transfer to your brads? All you need to do is treat your brad like it is a paper surface. 

  • You Will Need:
  • Brads of your choice. Here I have used brads with painted surfaces.
  • Just push the pins of the dry, unaltered brads into your stand and start painting or glueing or whatever you want to do. I added the rub-ons by grasping the brad in one hand while applying pressure to the rub-on to adhere it with the other hand as it was too soft a base having the brad standing in the paper roll.
    • Easy DIY craft tip
  • Rubons of your choice
  • A clean wooden paddle pop or ice cream stick
  • You may want to add something like a little crystal gem after you have added the rubon. Just make sure it has a flat, smooth backing
  • Crystal Effects or clear nail polish to seal the surface and make it durable and scratch resistant 

  • Here's What to Do:
  • Step 1: Make sure the surface of your brad is clean and dry. You may want to anchor it in some foam, styrofoam, oasis or in a toilet paper roll 
  • Step 2: Select the rubon you want and carefully place it on the brad, then use the wooden stick to adhere it to the metal
    • Customised Rub on art

  • Step 3: Add the gem(s) with a little Crystal Effects or nail polish, then cover the entire surface with the same medium to seal it well
  • Step 4: Allow the decorated elements to dry for at least two hours or better, overnight
  • Step 5: Attach your completed embellishments to your project and enjoy
    DIY paper flower

    Glittered or Flocked Brads

    Did you know you can customise brads to be any colour of glitter or flock you have in your stash? And it is so easy to do.

    The original colour of your brad will probably show through the glitter or flock, so choose ones with this thought in mind. You can also paint or alcohol ink your metal embellishments to match or contrast or coordinate with the colour of flock or glitter you are going to use.

    You will need:

    • Brads to alter
    • Glitter or flocking powder
    • A strong glue such as Crystal Effects

    Here's What to Do:

    • Step 1: Coat the brads with a thin but thorough layer of adhesive
    • Step 2: Dip the brad in the glitter or flock and ensure it is thoroughly covered
    • Step 3: You can leave the brad in the glitter or flock pot if you like. It won't hurt the glitter or flock. Or you can push the prongs of the brads in Styrofoam, foam, or a roll of toilet paper to dry for a minimum of two hours or, better, overnight

    Heat Embossed Brads

    Heat embossing is an effective way to alter metal embellishments too.

    • Step 1: Ink up the brads with Versamark (clear embossing ink) or stamp an image on them in Versamark
    • Step 2: Sprinkle embossing powder on the inked brads
    • Step 3: To protect yourself from the heat, use a pair of tweezers or something similar to hold the brad while you heat the embossing powder with a heat tool
    • Step 4: Allow the embossed brad to cool properly before handling it

    Now you have several ways to alter Metal Embellishments to adorn your paper craft projects in your own unique way. Try these techniques on metal buttons, tin sheets, buckles, charms, etc.

    Have you made some altered brads or similar metal embellishments? Please do show me your project. I'd love to see it.

    Have A Favourite Altered Art Piece?

    Do you have a piece of altered art you have created? I'd love to see it.

    [ ? ]

    Upload A Picture [ ? ]

     

    Click here to upload more images (optional)

    Author Information (optional)

    To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

    (first or full name)

    (e.g., City, State, Country)

    Submit Your Contribution

    •  submission guidelines.


    (You can preview and edit on the next page)

    1. Home
      2. ›
    2. Altered Art Projects
      3. ›
    3. Customising supplies

    New! Comments

    Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

    Share this page: What's this?

    Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how ...

    Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? Click on the HTML link code below. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

    var l = window.location.href, d = document; document.write('<form action="#"><div style="text-align:center"><textarea cols="50" rows="2" onclick="this.select();"><a href="'+l+'">'+d.title+'</a></textarea></div></form>');